The International AIDS Conference opened this week in Rio de Janeiro under the theme “Rethink. Rebuild. Rise,” bringing together approximately 6,000 HIV researchers, professionals, and activists to address the evolving global response to the epidemic.
While epidemiological data show progress—AIDS-related deaths reached 547,000 in 2025, the lowest figure in 30 years—the global campaign to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 faces significant headwinds. United States funding for HIV/AIDS programming has declined substantially, from $6.7 billion to $4.6 billion last year, undermining prevention and treatment initiatives worldwide. The Trump administration has announced plans to permanently cease funding for PEPFAR (the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) by early 2027, raising questions about the continuity of the acclaimed program launched during the George W. Bush administration.
A survey conducted by the nonprofit amfAR between November 2025 and April 2026 reveals the tangible impact of these funding disruptions. The organization found that 1,714 clinics and service centers shut down, with most grantee organizations scaling back services in response to cuts and usage restrictions. Community-based programs were disproportionately affected, and prevention initiatives targeting vulnerable populations—including men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, sex workers, and people who inject drugs—experienced particularly severe reductions.
The conference will also spotlight scientific advances that offer promise for treatment and prevention. Clinical trials have demonstrated efficacy for two new HIV medications: a twice-yearly injection and a weekly pill. Both options can suppress viral loads to undetectable levels, which protects individual health and prevents transmission to partners, while also serving preventive functions for high-risk populations.
However, experts caution that the funding environment may prevent these medications from reaching populations most in need. The future of UNAIDS itself remains uncertain following a proposal to sunset the organization, adding another layer of complexity to the global response infrastructure.
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